Dear sports friends!

Allow me to express how overwhelmed and proud I am that Slovenia was given the opportunity to organise the EVACS 2008, an event, which can easily be ranked among the largest competitions ever held after the Slovenian independence in 1991.

Sport plays a more and more important role in the Slovenian society and in the national strategic policy. Its function is not only of sporting character, but today we can speak also of social, economic and educational dimension of physical activity and sport. The European society is growing older, and it is believed that by 2030 there will be about 20 % of European citizens older than 60. The function of sport is therefore indispensable to keep the middle as well as senior generations fit in order to remain a healthy part of our society.

Sport and sports competitions enhanced by intrepidity are the best ambassadors of international understanding. Major sport events always keep their place in our memory, both as a competition among athletes and as a public spectacle, a show of friendship and fair play. Sport is becoming a tool of unity and mutual respect, helping us build a Europe of peace and tolerance, a better place for more than 800 million Europeans.

For our country EVACS 2008 represents a new opportunity to show once again our hospitality, and to benefit from it by having a large number of European citizens and sporting celebrities in our country. I am convinced that the organisers are going to do their best to prove yet once again that we are capable of organising even the biggest international events.

I hope that all the participating athletes will leave our country with excellent results, and good memories.

Welcome to Slovenia!

Dr. Milan ZVER
Minister of Education and Sport

Dear athletes, dear friends,

With high interest and eagerness we are in anticipation of the 16th European Veterans Championships (Stadia) in Ljubljana/Slovenia. It is the first time that the European Veterans Athletic Association (EVAA) will be visitor in Slovenia.

So the EVAA remains true to its purpose to become more active in Eastern European countries.

The start was in Budapest (Hungary, 1990), followed by Poznan (Poland, 2006), and with the Hungarian city of Nyiregyhaza in 2010 another organiser is situated in Eastern Europe.

For Ljubljana this championship means a big challenge: both, the technical and the logistic situation comply with the requirements well. The stadium with its secondary grounds offers excellent requirements. All grounds are within walking distances. Moreover the LOC is very well skilled in organising athletic top events. Among annual international meetings, in July 1997 Ljubljana was organiser of the European Junior Championships, setting new standards at that time.

Because of the good experiences the requirements for sports in Ljubljana are excellent. In addition we find a touristy attractive surrounding.

The EVAA is convinced that the LOC and the Ministry of Education and Sport, together with the city of Ljubljana and National Athletic Federation, will provide everything for the European veteran athletes. Apart to being very experienced, they will spend much time and effort to make this championship successful and unforgettable.

The EVAA welcomes all athletes, coaches, companions and officials and wishes them exciting and successful days in Slovenia.

Our sincere gratitude is given to the organiser that is preparing all grounds according to the requirements of athletes.

Have great success and a good time in Slovenia!

On behalf of the EVAA – Council
Dieter Massin, EVAA – President

Dear friends, visitors, participants

On behalf of the City of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, we are honoured to host the 16th European Veterans Athletic Championships Stadia in 2008.

Our city has a long history reaching back to the founding of the Roman colony of Emona on the Ljubljanica river-banks. Its position at the crossroads of European trade routes leading from west to east and north to south has for centuries marked our city's development as a centre for trade, culture and arts.

Ljubljana has turned into a lively centre for sports in the 20th century and has successfully hosted a variety of world and European championships.

The Ljubljana Stadium, also known in world athletic circles as the Ljubljana ŽAK Stadium, has close to 90 years long tradition. Two new stadiums were built in 1986 for the Balkan Athletic Games, and upgraded in 1997 for the European Youth Championships. This year, especially for EVACS 2008, top-level facilities for throwing events are being built to make an ideal venue.

Our city has developed an excellent team of organizers, judges and technical specialists, fulfilling all the necessary tasks for a flawless organisation and implementation of this event.

Our accommodation facilities are expanding and the quality of our hotel infrastructure and other tourist services increasing through the Ljubljana Tourist Board. The old town along the Ljubljanica river-banks, below the medieval castle, is being revived.

I am certain that this event will mark the beginning of our long friendship.

With best wishes,

Zoran Janković
Mayor of the City of Ljubljana